This year, the U.S. Census Bureau will complete its 24th decennial census. This nationwide survey accepts household responses through October 31, 2020. It is an essential tool that leaders and organizations use to allocate funds for emergency preparedness, infrastructure needs, health resources, food programs, and many services that improve the lives of families and children.
The census form WILL NOT ask residents about their citizenship status. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against adding a citizenship question to the 2020 census.
The survey will count not only family members, but also anyone and everyone living in the household as of April 1, 2020.
Title 13 of the United States Code requires census responses to be kept confidential and used for statistical purposes only. Unlawful disclosure is a federal crime punishable by a $250,000 fine or five years in prison.
The U.S. government uses census data to distribute federal funds to our state. The data are also used to determine the number of seats our state receives in the U.S. House of Representatives. An accurate census count ensures that Dukes County gets the resources and congressional representation we deserve, and that families receive the support and services needed, which may include a future coronavirus vaccine.
If the census data are deeply flawed, the calculation WILL NOT represent what is really happening in our community with elders, minorities, children, and families. And this is precisely the scenario we are working hard to prevent.
Can the entire Martha’s Vineyard community COUNT ON YOU to COUNT US IN? Our lives, and especially those of our children and seniors, depend on your participation.
The ten survey questions can be completed in less than 10 minutes when you go online to https://my2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020 for English and 844-474-2020 for Portuguese. A 12-digit Census I.D. number is not required to complete the 2020 census.
This letter, sponsored by the Martha’s Vineyard Social Justice Leadership Foundation, aims to empower Island groups and individuals to transform racial and social injustices through grant-making, education, and advocacy.